World Cup-winning Wallaby to join Waratahs coaching ranks

World Cup-winning second-rower Matt Cockbain is set to join the Waratahs as forwards coach.

The Waratahs are expected to unveil the 63-Test Wallaby as Simon Cron's replacement early next week, adding the high-profile Australian to the list of support staff for new coach Rob Penney.

Matt Cockbain, right, with Andrew Blades in a 20th anniversary photo shoot with the members of Australia's 1999 Rugby World Cup-winning team.Credit:Louise Kennerley

Cockbain, who has coaching experience in Japan, Fiji and Super Rugby, will join another former Wallaby in Chris Whitaker (attack) and former Ospreys flanker Steve Tandy (defence) in what is shaping as a solid coaching set-up for a young NSW side.

The Waratahs have contracted a record 12 players from the Junior Wallabies squad that finished runners-up in this year's U20s World Championship.

Advertisement

Loading

Central Coast centre Joey Walton, Sydney winger Mark Nawaqanitawase, Angus Bell, Will Harrison and Will Harris are among the players expected to feature in the senior Waratahs squad as Penney and general manager of rugby Tim Rapp look to reshape the team after the departures of big names Bernard Foley, Israel Folau, Nick Phipps, Tolu Latu, Sekope Kepu and more.

Walton's promotion from the NSW Gen Blue side was announced on Saturday, along with the recruitment of Sydney University hooker Tom Horton on a one-year deal.

Rapp said it was important there was plenty of experience in the coaching and playing ranks to help guide the next generation through.

"Although we are moving on some older guys, that creates an opportunity for a younger guy to be involved in a professional program but with the support of a Michael Hooper, a Jake Gordon or a Ned Hanigan," Rapp said.

"We should be able to bring them through at a controlled rate but they need to be supported by the experienced guys around them."

Former Wallaby Cockbain has been announced as the new forwards coach for the Waratahs.Credit:ALLSPORT

Karmichael Hunt is at the top of Rapp's list to keep for 2020 as well. The dual-code international is yet to re-commit but the Waratahs say they are working hard to make it happen.

"We’d love to see him stick around," Rapp said.

"A person like that, partnered with a Joey Walton or a Mark Nawaqanitawase, could really support and help those guys make the transition to Super Rugby.

"Karmichael's earned the right to stick around, he’s done everything right by us at every turn and we'd like to make it happen."

Rebels prop Tetera Faulkner was announced last week as joining the NSW ranks, while Penney and Rapp still have their eyes peeled for a slick finishing outside back and a big ball carrier.

The 46-year-old Cockbain has just returned from four years coaching in Japan, as an assistant with Toyota Shokki and most recently as head coach of the Ricoh Black Rams.

His Wallabies career spanned from 1997 to 2003. He was in Rod Macqueen's victorious World Cup squad in 1999 and was part of the Wallabies' series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2001.

He played 91 games for the Queensland Reds and retired from Test rugby after the 2003 World Cup.